Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, prominent figures in the 2022 “Freedom Convoy,” have received conditional sentences, avoiding additional jail time. Earlier this year, Barber was convicted of mischief and inciting others to defy a court order, while Lich was convicted of mischief. Both were acquitted of several other charges.
They were each issued an 18-month conditional sentence on Tuesday: twelve months confined at home with limited weekly outings, followed by six months under a 10 p.m. curfew. Lich will receive credit for the 19 days she spent in jail initially and an additional 30 days in custody for breaching her bail terms. Both Barber and Lich are required to complete 100 hours of community service.
Lich’s lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, mentioned they are contemplating whether to appeal her conviction, emphasizing the priority was to prevent further jail time, which was accomplished. Barber’s defense attorney, Diane Magas, stated that her client respects the judge’s decision and deems it reasonable, aligning with their expectations.
The sentencing in Ottawa follows hearings in July where Crown prosecutor Siobhain Wetscher sought significant penalties of eight years for Barber and seven for Lich, highlighting the profound impact of their actions during the protests held in Ottawa. The demonstrations led by Lich and Barber, which caused weeks of gridlock in the city’s downtown area, involved thousands of protesters and raised substantial funds to oppose the federal government’s COVID-19 mandates. The government eventually enforced the Emergencies Act to disband the protests.
During the trial, the defense teams for Lich and Barber requested an absolute discharge, arguing that an eight-year sentence would have been excessive. A discharge for Lich would have meant no criminal record.
